A Complete Guide to the Best Ways to Send Money to Georgia

Sending money across borders is easier than ever — but with so many options, it can also get overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for the fastest method, the lowest fees, or the safest platform, choosing the right service matters. In this article, we’ll cover why you might want to send money to Georgia, the best methods of doing so, the benefits and challenges you may encounter, and a few tips to make your transferring experience even smoother.

Why send money to Georgia?

Whether you’re supporting family, paying a freelancer, or transferring savings for your own move, there are plenty of reasons to send money to Georgia.

In recent years, Georgia has become a popular destination for students, remote workers, and long-term visitors, thanks in part to its 1-year visa-free entry for citizens of 95 countries. Georgia’s capital Tbilisi regularly shows up in rankings of the world’s top cities for digital nomads. Curious what Solowise thinks of Georgia as a base for digital nomads? Check out our top eight countries here.

Challenges and benefits

Sending money to Georgia is pretty straightforward, but it’s not always seamless. The biggest challenge is figuring out which method works best for your situation. Between bank fees, exchange rate markups, and delivery delays, the wrong option can cost you time and money. The other issue is that Georgia’s currency, lari (GEL), is not supported by all platforms, so the recipient may lose money on currency conversion.

Another thing to be mindful of is the impact of international sanctions. Some Georgian financial institutions are facing restrictions because of their alleged ties to sanctioned Russian entities (for example, VTB Georgia is listed under US sanctions because its parent company is Russian). This can make certain transfers slower or more complicated — like delays with SWIFT payments or extra checks from banks along the way. Always stay on the safe side by checking the recipient’s bank isn’t on any restricted lists. 

I hope I didn’t scare you with all of that! There are still many upsides to sending money to Georgia. It’s a relatively well-connected country that has a growing list of money transfer services that are fast, reliable, and easy to use. Online platforms may give you better exchange rates than traditional banks, and in many cases, your recipient can get the money within minutes.

Understanding exchange rates

Before you hit send on that money transfer, it’s worth taking a minute to understand how exchange rates work. They can make a big difference in how much money your recipient actually receives.

How to check current rates

Exchange rates tell you how much one currency is worth in another — for example, how many GEL you get for 1 USD. Most money transfer platforms add a small markup to the rate you see online, which is how they make money. To check the current rate, just search something like “1 USD to GEL” on Google.

For more detailed info, you can also check current rates using tools like XE, OANDA, X-Rates, your bank’s website or app, or directly on the transfer platform you plan to use. Just keep in mind that they’ll likely include markup fees.

Main methods of sending money to Georgia

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to money transfers. Below are some of the most common ways people use to send money to Georgia.

SWIFT

SWIFT (which stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the traditional method for international bank transfers. It’s a messaging network used by banks all over the world to securely transmit information and instructions through a standardized system of codes. With SWIFT, you don’t actually move money — the system sends payment orders between banks, which then settle the payments through their own systems. 

Here are some pros of the SWIFT system:

• Wide support. It works with major banks in Georgia and around the world.
• Reliable. It’s a long-established, secure global network.
• Good for big amounts. It’s useful for when you need to move large amounts of money internationally.
• Flexible currency options. You can send and receive money in multiple currencies.

And here are some cons:

• Slow processing times. Sometimes SWIFT transfers can take several days, especially if intermediary banks are involved.
• Expensive. High fees may apply, both for the sender and the recipient.
• Heavy information requirements. You’ll need the recipient’s full name, account number/IBAN, SWIFT/BIC code, and sometimes the bank’s full address.
• Poor exchange rates. Banks might not offer great currency conversion rates.

Here’s a quick guide to using SWIFT to send money to Georgia. 

1. Get the recipient’s full details. This includes their full name and address, the name and the address of their bank, the bank’s BIC, and the recipient’s IBAN.
2. Log in to your banking app. Alternatively, head to a brick-and-mortar branch of your bank.
3. Enter the recipient’s information. Be careful — missing or incorrect details can delay the transfer.
4. Choose who pays the fees. You can often pick between paying all the fees yourself, making the recipient pay, or sharing — you pay your own bank’s fees, and the recipient pays theirs.
5. Confirm and track your payment.

Regular bank transfers work. For example, you can easily send money from a Georgian card to someone in another country using their IBAN. The key thing is that the recipient’s bank must accept international transfers and not block them. There’s usually a fee involved, but it tends to be reasonable and depends on the bank and the currency.

{{Irina Shestopalova}}

Some of Georgia’s banks also participate in the SWIFT Go program, which was specifically designed for fast, low-cost, small-value transfers. It’s especially useful for retail customers or small businesses. Here’s the full list.

Online transfer platforms

Does SWIFT sound like too much effort? Online transfer platforms could be the solution for you. They’re often faster, cheaper, and easier to use. Below are some popular options for sending money to Georgia.

Wise 

Wise is one of the most popular services globally for international money transfers. There’s a good reason for that: it offers transparent fees, speedy transfers, real exchange rates (the mid-market rate), and a user-friendly experience.

To get started with Wise, you need to create an account, enter the recipient’s details, choose how much to send, and fund the transfer via card, bank account, or sometimes Apple/Google Pay. The recipient doesn’t need a Wise account to receive funds.

Here are some advantages of using Wise to transfer money to Georgia:

• Transparent pricing. There are no hidden fees — Wise shows you the exact fee and exchange rate upfront.
• Real exchange rates. Wise uses the mid-market rate without added markups.
• Fast delivery. Many transfers with Wise arrive instantly. With some, you may need to wait up to two working days.
• Simple interface. The Wise app is straightforward and user-friendly.

And here are the disadvantages:

• Limited availability. Citizens of some countries, like Russia, may face restrictions.
• Mandatory verification. You may need to upload your ID or go through KYC checks before your first transfer.
• Restrictive limits. While there are no caps specifically for Georgian recipients, your transfer limit will depend on where you’re sending from and the method you’re using. Here are Wise guidelines on transfer limits.

I work with a freelancer based in Georgia who handles copywriting for my team. She primarily uses Wise to receive international payments. It's a convenient option due to its transparent fee structure, lower costs compared to traditional banks, and typically fast transfers, usually within 1 to 3 business days. However, we've occasionally experienced delays when sending payments from countries with more stringent banking regulations.
I've also tried Payoneer with some clients, but I prefer Wise because of its user-friendly interface and more favorable exchange rates.

{{Nikita Sherbina}}

Paysend

Paysend is a global online money transfer service that lets you send money straight to a recipient’s card or bank account in over 170 countries — and yes, Georgia is one of them. It’s known for flat, low fees and real-time exchange rate previews, so you know exactly what your recipient will get. 

Paysend calculator showing that a transfer of 500 EUR to Georgia results in the recipient receiving 1,525.59 GEL. This transfer is fee-free (0.00 EUR), with an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 3.0512 GEL — a competitive rate for new customers. Source: Paysend

alt=Paysend interface showing a 500 EUR transfer to Georgia with 0 EUR fee and a rate of 1 EUR = 3.0512 GEL for new customers.

To send money, all you need is the recipient’s full name and card number or bank account details. Transfers are usually quick, and you can track everything through the app. What sets Paysend apart from its local competitors is its collaborations with local banks. For example, right now the platform is promoting a limited-time offer allowing customers to send money to Visa Liberty Bank cards in Georgia with zero commission from 50 countries worldwide. 

It’s worth noting that well-known platforms like PayPal are also available in Georgia. But there’s a catch — you can receive money and withdraw it to a bank account, but you won’t be able to withdraw in Georgian lari — only in USD or EUR.

Cash pick-up services

If you or your recipient doesn’t have access to a bank account, cash pick-up services could be the answer. These services let you send money that can be collected in cash from a nearby location, often within minutes. That said, many of them also allow you to send money directly to the recipient’s bank account or card. Let’s have a look at some of the most well-known ones.

Western Union

Western Union is one of the most widely used services for cash pick-up in Georgia. It allows you to send money online or in person, and the recipient can collect it in US dollars, euros, or Georgian lari from thousands of locations across the country. 

To send money to a recipient in Georgia, you’ll first need to create a Western Union account. Then, select Georgia as the destination, enter the amount, and choose “Cash” as the delivery method. Fill in the recipient’s details and pay using a bank card. Once the transfer goes through, you’ll receive a tracking number (MTCN). Share it with the recipient, who will be able to collect the cash using their government-issued ID. If you’re the one sending the money, you’ll be responsible for paying the fees, which vary depending on your location, among other factors.

Here are some pros of using Western Union:

• It’s fast. The money is sometimes ready for collection within minutes.
• Easy to collect. The network of pickup points is widespread.
• Free for the recipient. All fees are paid by the sender.

And here are some cons:

• Unclear pricing. Fees and exchange rates vary depending on the location, amount, and payment method, and aren’t always shown upfront.
• Sensitive tracking number. Even though ID is required, someone with access to the MTCN could potentially intercept the transfer, especially in places with loose enforcement.

Korona Pay

Korona Pay is a Russian-origin money transfer service available in over 50 countries, including Georgia.   

To send money with Korona Pay, select Georgia as the destination, fill in your recipient’s details, and pay using your bank card or account. Once the payment is complete, you’ll receive a 9-digit transfer number. Share this number with your recipient. Like with Western Union, they’ll need it to collect the cash, together with their state ID from one of Korona Pay’s multiple collection points all over Georgia.

Korona Pay may be less global than Western Union, but it tends to charge lower fees for transfers. Another important difference is that fees are often more transparent, with the sender either paying a low fixed fee (when sending and receiving in different currencies) or a small percentage (when sending and receiving in euro). You’ll always see the cost upfront. You can’t transfer more than $5,536 to Georgia in one go.

Most of the time, I use Korona Pay — it’s the most convenient and reliable way to send money from Russia to Georgia. I use a Russian Ozon Bank or Raiffeisen Bank card and send funds to a Georgian one (like TBC or Credo). The fee is 1%, and the money arrives in seconds. So far, Georgian banks haven’t had any issues with these transfers — I’ve never run into problems or had my account blocked.
There are some limits with KoronaPay: no more than 15 transfers a month and a total cap of $10,000 — but for day-to-day needs, that’s more than enough.

{{Irina Shestopalova}}

MoneyGram

MoneyGram is another massive international cash pick-up service that operates in Georgia as well as in over 200 countries and territories. To send money, create a MoneyGram account online or use a partner location. Choose Georgia as the destination, enter your recipient’s details, and pay by card or bank transfer. Once the transfer is complete, you’ll get a reference number to share with your recipient. 

To collect the money, the recipient needs to visit a MoneyGram location in Georgia with a valid ID and the reference number. Payouts are usually available within minutes. While the service is fast and widely available, fees and exchange rates can vary depending on where you’re sending from, how much you’re sending, and how you pay. As with other services of this kind, keeping the transfer number secure is absolutely crucial.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or USDT, are digital assets you can send over the internet. It’s fast, you don’t need to rely on banks, and they often come with lower fees. Instead of going through traditional systems like bank transfers or cash pick-up services, crypto transactions take place on decentralized networks called blockchains.

To use crypto, you need a platform called a crypto exchange or a wallet app. These tools allow you to buy and sell crypto, store it securely, and transfer it to others.

Georgia is a perfect location for those who know how to use crypto. It’s a very popular option among freelancers, expats, and digital nomads. It’s one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the world: there are no legal restrictions on buying, holding, or transferring crypto, and no license is required to exchange it for individuals. However, intermediaries like exchanges and brokers do need to register for transactions and comply with AML (anti-money laundering) procedures. In fact, crypto mining and trading are widely practiced in Georgia — according to Statista, the number of cryptocurrency users in Georgia is expected to surpass 260,000 by 2026, with user penetration nearing 7%; the country is also emerging as a regional crypto mining hub due to low electricity costs and a favorable regulatory climate.

It’s also a tax-friendly option. If you’re an individual, you’re exempt from income tax on any profits from selling or exchanging cryptocurrency. Also, if you’re exchanging crypto for Georgian lari (or any other currency, for that matter), you don’t owe any VAT.

Here are some advantages of using crypto in Georgia:

• Fast, borderless transactions. Crypto transactions can take minutes, regardless of where you or your recipient are located.
• Low fees. Most platforms charge a small fixed fee or a low percentage (often 0.5—1%).
• Favorable tax rules. No income tax on profits from crypto trading, no VAT on exchanging crypto for GEL.

There are some disadvantages, too.

• High volatility. Crypto values can change dramatically in a short time. This means that your recipient might receive more or less than expected.
• Challenging onboarding. There’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using cryptocurrencies — you need to know how wallets and exchanges work.
• Potential security risks. If you make a mistake, like sending to the wrong address, it’s irreversible. Scams may be common as well.

There are several crypto platforms that operate in Georgia, including giants like Binance   and Bybit, as well as homegrown exchange platform Cryptal, among many others. When choosing a platform, consider what matters most to you — local currency support (like GEL withdrawals), ease of use, lower fees, or regulation status in Georgia. For beginners, local platforms like Cryptal may offer more support and familiarity, while advanced users might prefer the wider range of features available via international exchanges.

Sometimes I use cryptocurrency. I buy it on exchanges like Binance or Bybit, or through Telegram Wallet, then convert it to lari and withdraw it to my card. But you have to be careful with crypto: if the amount is too large or looks suspicious, the bank might block your card. It’s safer to send smaller, tidy sums — like 300 or 500 lari.
In general, crypto is fairly popular in Georgia — there are plenty of exchange services, and in some places you can even pay directly with cryptocurrency. I haven’t used that option myself yet, but I know it exists.

{{Irina Shestopalova}}

Here’s a comparison table of all the methods we mentioned above for your convenience.

What are the tax implications?

If you’re sending money to someone who lives in Georgia — or to yourself after relocating — keep in mind that local tax rules may apply. For example, residents who’ve spent 183+ days in the country within a year are considered Georgian tax residents. In some cases, income from overseas may be exempt, but it’s best to double-check with a local accountant.

If your recipient is a Georgian tax resident, they may be required to pay local taxes on the money they receive. That said, Georgia offers several tax incentives. For example, income earned from international clients is often exempt, and registered small or micro businesses may benefit from reduced tax rates — as low as 1% in some cases. When in doubt, it’s worth getting advice from a local tax specialist.

As for bureaucracy, Georgia's framework for international money transfers is gradually improving. Still, there's often ambiguity, especially when it comes to reporting income for tax purposes. I've had to work with local accountants to ensure everything is compliant. While the process is generally manageable, it's not always straightforward. Overall, services like Wise do simplify international payments, but freelancers in Georgia need to stay up to date on local tax and banking regulations to avoid unexpected issues.

{{Nikita Sherbina}}

Tips and best practices

As you’re preparing to send (or to receive) money in Georgia, remember to do the following.

• Compare exchange rates. Some services have better rates than others, while some hide their fees in the rate itself. Always double-check the full amount your recipient will get.
• Choose the right delivery method. When trying to figure out which delivery method you should use, keep your recipient at the forefront of your mind. Pick the most accessible method for them, be it cash pickup, bank transfer, or card deposit.
• Double-check the recipient’s details. Whichever method you use, you’ll need to enter the recipient’s details. A typo in a name or account number can delay (or derail) your transfer. Take 30 extra seconds to be sure.
• Tap into local communities. Get your info straight from the horse’s mouth. Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or even Telegram channels often share the latest info on what’s actually working. First-hand experience beats outdated online reviews any day.

Ensure ethical money transfer practices

When you’re sending or receiving money, it’s not just speed or fees that matter. Choose platforms that are transparent about their rates and follow international compliance rules. That means no shady markups, no hidden conversion tricks, and no bypassing restrictions that could get you or your recipient in trouble. Try to use companies that are more serious about user data protection or have stronger safeguards against fraud and financial crime.

Some parting thoughts

No matter which method you choose, the most important thing is to find what works best for your needs, budget, and timeline — and those of your recipient. Sending money to Georgia can be totally hassle-free with the right setup.

Sending money to other countries, not just Georgia? Solowise has you covered. Check out our guides on transferring to Belarus, Serbia, Argentina, and Kazakhstan.

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